Pain Awareness Month and Your Feet
September is Pain Awareness Month. This is a good time to try and understand some of the underlying causes of certain pains so we can help alleviate some of the discomforts they cause.
Issues with your feet can affect anyone, but women have specific sets of issues that they need to attend to. Now is a good time to go over two of the most common problems that affect women’s foot health and what you can do about them -- high heels and bunions.
High heels can cause numerous problems with your feet. Besides general issues with discomfort, wearing high heels can contribute to back problems, knee pain, and an awkward gait. You can minimize many of these problems by limiting the amount of time you spend in high heels. Alternating days with regular shoes can help. If you do wear high heels, make sure the heel is wide and not too tall.
Bunions can be common for women. A bunion is a misaligned big toe joint that can become swollen and tender. This can happen when the big toe is forced diagonally into the other toes. Genetics can play a role in getting a bunion, but it can also be caused by warring high heels that force the feet into unnatural positions. They often take years to develop. Bunions can often be painful. Surgery can be an option to address the underlying issue. Custom orthotics can help as well. These are shoe inserts that are custom-made to fit your unique foot shape to provide cushioning and support exactly where it’s needed.
Of course, there are many other issues a woman may experience with her feet. It’s important to not hesitate if you’re experiencing any of the above conditions.
Contact a podiatrist today if you or a loved one is suffering from any foot-related symptoms. Dr. Scott Nelson of Foot and Ankle Medical Clinic in Garland, TX (county of Dallas), is a board-certified and highly experienced podiatrist who has helped people suffering from all types of foot and ankle injuries and deformities. From bunions to diabetic foot problems, sports injuries, and fungal nails, you can trust that Dr. Nelson and his staff are wholeheartedly devoted to your foot health. Please contact our office with any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment by calling 972-414-9800.
